BAXTER, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is excited to announce the new single-lane roundabout at Highway 169, Highway 18 and Monroe Street in Garrison opened to all travelers Friday, Sept. 25.
MnDOT thanks the community for their patience during the 17-day closure. The new roundabout and pedestrian facilities will make it easier and safer to get around this popular spot along Mille Lacs Lake.
What to expect in the work zone through mid-October
- Highway 169 will stay detoured for through traffic (PNG) while crews finish work south of the St. Alban’s Bay historic culvert to Crow Wing County Road 26.
- The southern detour remains in place along Crow Wing County Road 26, Crow Wing County Road 8 and Highway 18 into Garrison.
- The northern detour along Highway 6 to Highway 169 Bennettsville will be removed.
- Residents, visitors and workers can drive through the Highway 169 work zone south of Garrison, but should expect no shoulders, slower speeds and lane closures with flaggers.
- Crews continue final project work, including striping, rumble strips, turf establishment, trail paving and final paving on the south end. Stonework also continues at the historic St. Alban’s Bay culvert while MnDOT waits for quarried granite near Isle.
Tips for navigating the new one-lane roundabout
- Slow down to about 15-25 mph as you enter.
- Yield to people on the crosswalk.
- Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout.
- Don’t pass large trucks — they need extra space.
- Keep moving counterclockwise; don’t stop in the circle.
- If an emergency vehicle is coming, exit the roundabout first, then pull over.
Learn more about roundabouts in Minnesota at mndot.gov/roundabouts.
When all five miles open in mid-October, travelers will experience smoother pavement, updated infrastructure, and improved safety and traffic flow in the Garrison area.
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